"I think that's a fairly strong statement," Crowley told The Enquirer, ahead of a speech Thursday night to the Woman's City Club of Greater Cincinnati. "Now, if the clarion call came, and they were looking for someone to fill a slot and he fit it, OK. But lightning doesn't tend to strike like that."

As governor in Ohio, Kasich likes to talk about implementing sweeping changes. He's fought with fellow Republicans in the Legislature over attempts to expand the sales tax base and raise taxes on oil and gas produced through fracking. But the General Assembly has often given him what he wanted, such as a privatized, open-records-proof economic development arm in JobsOhio. And when it hasn't, such as with his push to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, he's found other ways to do what he wants to do.

That wouldn't be possible as president, said Crowley, who hosts CNN's "State of the Union" show.

"When politicians go from governor to Washington, they're so frustrated with how slow-moving everything is," she said. As governor, "You can do things. And I think ultimately people who like public service like that better, because they sort of get into it to do stuff, not to be frustrated by the system."

Still, all gubernatorial candidates know to avoid talking about a presidential bid when they're running for another office. Kasich might change his mind if he wins November's election. Or he might shoot for a 2020 nomination.

Ohio's status as a perennial swing state still makes it the "crown jewel" for politicians, Crowley said.

That's one reason Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland are all vying for the 2016 GOP national convention. But the decision comes down to factors such as hotels and transportation, Crowley said.

"People want to make (political) statements with each city," she said. "I think 'Ohio' is enough." ■